FIREMEN’S DISPUTE

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30233, 11 September 1963, Page 16

FIREMEN’S DISPUTE

Meeting With Minister

(From Our Oum Reporter) WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. The president of the Federation of Labour (Mr T. E. Skinner), the secretary (Mr K. M. Baxter), and the secretary of the Fire Brigadesmen’s Union (Mr T. M. Hill) today saw the Minister of Labour (Mr Shand) about the fire brigades dispute. They advised that the brigades had the federation’s support. Mr Shand said later he understood the federation would make a public statement, but he had none to make in the meantime. Other sources say it is open to Mr Shand again to propose a basis of settlement to both parties, and this time to make it public. Then the public would, in due course, be informed of the reaction both of the brigadesmen’s and of the employers’ unions and be better able to judge the situation.

There is understood to be no legislative authority for the Minister of Labour to propose a commission of inquiry into the whole dispute, subject to the usual conditions of performance of all normal duties.

However, the Minister could seek the authority of the Cabinet to have such an inquiry constituted by the Governor-General by Order-in-Council on the recommendation of the Government. (Earlier reference page ?)